Paris is the cultural and historical center of Europe. Sights of Paris: photos with names and descriptions
Every year, millions of tourists come to Paris to see the sights. And the city has something to offer them - more than 200 historical and modern places, from global must-sees to those known only to a narrow circle of independent travelers.
While the Louvre and Versailles are on everyone's lips, for example, few people know about the Plantée Promenade. Of course, the historical and artistic significance of the latter cannot be compared with famous museums, but who said that the sights of Paris are those that are published only in famous guidebooks?
We have prepared descriptions with photographs of the most interesting, in our opinion, sights of Paris.
We will start, of course, with the Eiffel Tower, although we understand perfectly well that only lazy people have not written about it. But, it is in Paris and we must celebrate it.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was designed and built for the 1889 Universal Exhibition (World's Fair), it was a temporary structure and was twice proposed to be demolished.
The first time, in the early 1900s, the tower was preserved due to its radio transmission capabilities. Gustav Eiffel, the chief architect, carried out many scientific experiments, testing them on the tower and hoping that any discoveries would help extend its life.
One of them involved a wireless radio transmission test. During World War I, the Eiffel Tower's radio transmission capabilities made it possible to intercept messages as far as possible.
The second time this landmark was virtually destroyed was during the German occupation of France during World War II. Hitler planned to get rid of her, but was never able to carry out his plan.
Today, the Eiffel Tower is essentially the main landmark of Paris and is still used to transmit radio communications messages, but it is valued for its grandeur.
Can you believe that many Parisians initially considered this architectural marvel to be nothing more than an eyesore.
Regardless, the site is today considered one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. Visitors have the option of going up to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower or taking the elevator all the way to the top, where they will be treated to incredible panoramic views of the city.
While some visitors complain about long lines - especially during the summer - you'll skip the line by booking your tickets online. And while some travelers think the price to get to the top observation deck is crazy, most agree that the views from it are worth it.
Some visitors highly recommend making the trek at night because every hour, thousands of flickering lights make the structure sparkle, leaving tourists in complete awe.
Reach Paris's most famous landmark from Bir Hakeima, Trocadéro or Ecole Militaire stops, served by lines 6, 8 and 9.
The Eiffel Tower, located on the west side of the city, is open every day of the year, from 9:00 to 00:45 from mid-June to the first of September (last lift at midnight) and from 9:00 to 23:45 (last lift ride at 22:30, and on the stairs at 18:00) the rest of the year.
Entrance prices vary depending on how high you want to go and whether by elevator or stairs.
 Lunch at the Eiffel TowerNo queue to the second floorNo queue to the top platform Enjoy a wonderful lunch on the ground floor of the Eiffel Tower at the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant, admiring the impressive panoramic view of all of Paris. Don't wait in long lines to get to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. Admire panoramic views of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and more. If the height of 115 meters isn't enough for you, climb to the top deck of the Eiffel Tower to admire Paris from the very top. |
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Excursion buses Big Bus Tours (Bass tourist)
Orsay Museum
Housed in a former railway station along the Left Bank, the Musée d'Orsay has one of the richest collections of Impressionist works. Here are paintings by French artists such as Degas, Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and many others.
There are many sculptures inside, as well as collections of photographs and even pieces of furniture. And if you want to go up to the upper balcony, through the huge and transparent clock, you can see a breathtaking view of the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
Even though the Louvre gets a lot more attention in Paris, it still seems that many tourists prefer Orsay. They say that Orsay is much more convenient and less busy than the Louvre, so note that it is much less crowded.
Doors are open every day from 9:30 to 18:00 except Mondays. On Thursdays it remains open until 21:45 pm and if you arrive after 18:00 you will receive a discount on your ticket.Despite the fact that Orsay does not receive as many visitors as the Louvre (it receives just over 2 million tourists per year, while the Louvre receives more than 9 million tourists), you do not think that it will greet you with emptiness.
Get to this Paris landmark from the Assembe Nationale metro stop, line 12.
Rodin Museum
The Rodin Museum is the former residence of August Rodin himself, the famous 19th-century sculptor. Here, instead of furniture and the usual decorations, there are emotional sculptures by Rodin, including “The Hand of God”, “The Kiss” and “The Thinker” and many others.
But not only sculptures, a very large area of the great artist’s works, and this is about 7,000 drawings, are dedicated to his muse and lover - the artist and sculptor Camille Claudel. Visitors will also be able to view Rodin's personal art collection, including paintings by Van Gogh.
Tourists who have recently visited the site say Rodin's sculptures are stunning and highly recommend a visit even if you don't consider yourself an art lover.
Visitors who are not good at art noted that one of the most beautiful places in the Rodin Museum is the local gardens. According to tourists, the magnificent gardens, combined with the convenient location of the attraction itself, create a sincere and peaceful atmosphere, which is not so easy to experience in other famous Parisian museums.
Notre Dame
Like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral is considered one of the Parisian icons, a landmark that you will not have been to Paris without seeing.
Notre Dame Cathedral, located along the picturesque Seine River, is a Gothic masterpiece - one of the finest Gothic cathedrals of its kind in the world. Construction began at the end of the 10th century, but the finishing touches were made only 200 years later. If you take a closer look at the cathedral, you will understand why it took so long to build.
The architectural details of Notre Dame are intricate and become more numerous the closer you get to it. The front entrance features carefully carved statues that seamlessly integrate with the stone façade.
The entrance to the Main Court Portal in particular is one example of this impressive architectural style. The reverse side of the cathedral is equally impressively detailed, featuring an exterior retaining arch that just begs to be photographed.
Inside, travelers will find sky-high gilded ceilings and stained glass windows. If you want to do more than just wander around, you can climb the 387 steps of the stairs for first-class views of the city. Or you can go down into the crypt to see ancient remains.
Opera Garnier (Palace Garnier)
A masterpiece of architectural opulence, the Opéra Garnier, also known as the Palais Garnier, still exudes the same mysterious atmosphere it possessed in the late 1800s.
This palpable sense of intrigue and mystery that permeates the opera is partly due to its impressive Old World interiors, as well as Gaston Leroux, author of The Phantom of the Opera, for whom the Palais Garnier served as inspiration.
Leroux argued that the ghost was indeed real, and he only successfully incorporated real-life events into his fiction (for example: a chandelier falling and killing the observer).
The realistically presented historical facts, as well as Leroux’s writing talents, puzzled many with the question of whether there really was a resident who was hiding under the opera building.
The opera staff confirmed something else: there really is an underground lake under the building, so it becomes clear why this story turned out to be so convincing. But without Napoleon III, who was responsible for commissioning the building, Leroux's story would never have been completed.
The best way to fully experience the beauty of this cultural landmark of Paris is to buy a ticket to the opera or ballet.
If you won't be in town during the show or don't want to spend a pretty penny for the show, explore the building's magnificent interiors for yourself. Tourists who independently visited the palace building claim that the inside of the building is so large that it is difficult to believe your eyes.
The Palais Garnier is open daily from 10:00 to 16:30, but is closed until 13:00 on matinee days.
There are bookstores, boutiques with gifts and souvenirs, and a restaurant on site.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Cemetery as a tourist attraction? Can any other city besides Paris offer this?
Covering almost 110 acres in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, Père Lachaise Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It is one of the largest green spaces in Paris.
Père Lachaise Cemetery is a maze of cobblestone paths lined with towering leafy cascading trees that shade the amazing 19th-century burial chambers that dot the grounds.
Aesthetics aside, Père Lachaise is one of the most famous burial grounds in the world, with many famous graves to be seen here: from Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison to Edith Piaf and Gertrude Stein. Don't forget to get a map before you go there, there are still 70,000 graves here.
Tourists admit that the main reason why they decided to visit this attraction was to see the burials of famous people, but after seeing the beautiful place, they were happy to stay here longer and just wander around.
Père Lachaise is located in the eastern part of the city. The closest metro stops are Philippe Auguste and Alexandre Dumas, both of which are on line 2.
Basilica of Sacré-Coeur
Rising above Paris, the Sacre Coeur (meaning Sacred Heart) looks more like a white castle than a basilica. Situated at the top of the eclectic Montmartre quarter (once the hangout for Paris's bohemian crowd), this Roman-Byzantine masterpiece is easily recognizable by its ornate ivory domes.
The outside of the basilica appears impossibly whitewashed, but the interior of the cathedral is a must-see: its ceilings sparkle with France's largest mosaic, depicting Jesus alongside the ascending Virgin Mary and Joan of Arc.
You will also be impressed by the panoramic views from the stairs leading up to the Sacre Coeur. But for even better photography, climb just 300 steps higher to the top of the cathedral's dome.
The dome is available to visitors every day from 8:30 to 20:00, from May to September and from 9 am to 17:00, from October to April. Mass is celebrated several times a day every day.
The Sacre Coeur attraction is a truly popular tourist spot. Many people come there to go up to the observation deck during sunset, and if you stay a little longer, you can see the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower illuminating the horizon. And if you can't fit it into your schedule, then try to find time to explore the charming Montmartre area, especially Place du Tertre.
You can reach this attraction from the Anvers metro stop (line 2); from there you can take a funicular ride up the mountain directly to the basilica. But to truly experience the magical atmosphere of Montmartre, climb the winding stairs along the funicular route.
Rising above the sarcophagus of Napoleon Bonaparte in Les Invalides in Paris, the gilded dome is so beautiful that it is considered one of the triumphs of French Baroque architecture. But not only him, but the 12 stone carved statues of angels surrounding his tomb are truly breathtaking.
Winged statues are installed on the pillars of the crypt. Many believe that angels serve as guardians of Napoleon's tomb, while others believe that they help guide him to heaven.
The life-size white marble figures actually symbolize the general's military achievements. "Victories" is the final work of French sculptor Jean Jacques Pradir, known for his neoclassical works, which you can find in such landmarks as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Les Invalides.
Of course, Napoleon's angels give your eyes the opportunity to admire the unusual beauty, but looking around you will realize that the whole building is no less magnificent. The Les Invalides complex was built by the Sun King Louis XIV as a home and hospital for veteran soldiers. Today it is the French military museum Musée de l'Armée and the Dôme des Invalides, a chapel consecrated by St. Peter in Rome. Several French military heroes are buried here, as well as members of Napoleon's family.
Although Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile at Longwood, St Helena in 1821, his body was not buried at the Invalides until 1861. His remains were brought to Paris in 1840 and 20 years after the complex redesign of the former church was completed, the Emperor was buried in this temple worthy of him.
Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy
For more than a century, the Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy has been quite fascinating and at the same time terrifying for visitors with its huge reconstructed animal skeletons.
Founded in 1898, it was created to bring together a number of different scientific collections, now a multi-storey gallery containing a huge number of fossils and bones, it represents one of the widest and most comprehensive displays of natural artefacts in the world. The museum is divided into two separate galleries, each with a stunning collection.
The Paleontology Gallery is filled with a surprising array of fossils, with the most impressive being a number of massive dinosaur skeletons set among ornate glass and iron architecture.
However, the real showpiece museum is the Gallery of Comparative Anatomy. This section contains more than 1,000 animal skeletons, all of which line the gallery wall. The skeletons of all the animals are assembled as if they are moving in the same direction, creating the illusion of escape or a “parade of skeletons”, at which time visitors have the feeling of being in an unusual space. Horses, elephants, big cats and other creatures are represented in a giant collection of bone tissue.
The Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy is actually part of the vast National Museum of Natural History of France, which includes about 14 institutions across the country.
Le Musée du Fumeur (Smoking Museum)
No, you can't use a lighter and smoke here, although this Parisian museum dedicated to smoking does have a room for those who like to smoke.
Despite today's attitudes toward tobacco and other smokable plants, since 2001 this 650-foot shop near the Père Lachaise cemetery has been dedicated to the leisurely activities of many of France's greatest minds and leaders. Old snuff boxes and ancient cigarette packs form the permanent collection, and there are also fine clay pipes from the 17th century.
Ephemera in the form of postcards and cartoon strips depict the smoking culture of the last century. A display case with a drying rack displays tobacco leaves—dark ones from the Dominican Republic, lighter ones from Virginia.
Although there is a street in Paris named after Jean Nicot, the 16th-century diplomat and nicotine namesake who brought tobacco to France and introduced the royal court to snuff, smoking indoors has been illegal for almost decades.
Despite the ban, the establishment's founders, Michka Seeliger-Chatelain and Tigrane Hadengue, remain dedicated to spreading the history of smoking and information about tobacco. In 2008, Seeliger-Chatelain told the New York Times: "All of our great writers have been smokers."
Medici Column
The Medici Column was built in 1575 and was the first free-standing column in Paris. It was built at the request of Catherine de Medici in part of the royal palace that once stood behind it. Although the decorative value of the 92-foot column is clear, the true purpose of its construction for Catherine has never been specifically established.
The exterior of this creation is in the form of beautiful stonework, while the interior is a virtual void containing the spiral staircase that once connected the Queen's private apartments to the observatory/workshop at the top of the column.
It is believed that this workplace was built for Catherine's personal astrologer (some called him a sorcerer), Cosimo Ruggieri. The astrologer had been friends with the queen since childhood, and it is said that she consulted him before making any important decisions. The space at the top of the column was intended precisely for this, so that the astrologer could calmly consult the stars in order to predict what he saw.
Currently, the palace for which this column was built no longer exists, but the column still stands and hides its spiral staircase. The door to the inside is now closed, but visitors can still look at the cage at the top of the column and imagine the astrological intrigue that took place there.
Rue Crémieux (Crémieux Street)
Once upon a time, this charming little cobbled street, hidden in the 12th arrondissement, was a “secret place” that few people knew about. These days, Rue Crémieux is increasingly sought after by fashion photographers, filmmakers and people looking for something unique for the color-saturated world of Instagram.
Give yourself the opportunity and do not refuse to visit this Parisian splendor. In many ways, this quaint path between the Rue de Lyon and the Rue de Bercy looks nothing like Paris and is even more reminiscent of Portobello Road in Notting Hill in London or Burano in Venice.
Among the colorful facades, trumpets and paintings, and casement windows, stand window boxes and terracotta pots filled with lush plants that add to the feeling of momentarily escaping Paris. This is a residential street, albeit a very small one, and the houses here are not large. In fact, on one street side of the building there is just over one room deep.
In 1878, the most famous brothel in Paris was opened by Madame Kelly just steps from the Louvre, it gained its reputation for extravagance, decor and for being frequented by high society figures who spent their money on exercising their libido in the arms of thirty superb women. courtesans.
With an investment of approximately 1.7 million francs (approximately $12.5 million) and shares sold at exorbitant prices to wealthy private investors, Le Chabanais became the most profitable brothel on the European continent. Legend of the Golden Age of the Gated House, it was one of the most popular and must-see attractions for wealthy European tourists, comparable to praying at Notre Dame Cathedral or visiting the Eiffel Tower.
Like any good erotic fantasy playground, each room in the house had its own theme. "Louis XVI" had sex in a lavish royal room, and the Moorish room was a favorite of the poet Guy de Maupassant, who had a replica of the room made in his home. A frequent guest of Le Chabanais, King Edward VII or "Dirty Bertie" had a sphinx-shaped brass bede in his room, made especially for him so that he could dip his skinny body in champagne. And at the same time, Toulouse-Lautrec, another of the guests of the famous brothels of his era, donated sixteen erotic oil paintings to this institution, depicting centaurs in the throes of passion.
This zealous sense of sophistication in all its excess and exotic splendor was officially celebrated during the 1900 Paris World's Fair. The Japanese Room won the Best Design prize, becoming a symbol of the Parisian lifestyle of luxury and modernism.
After several decades of sleepless nights and erotic celebrations, Le Chabanais closed, and on April 13, 1946, the red lantern next to it was turned off. Pleasure houses were made illegal after World War II and were rumored to have been persecuted by early feminists. All the furniture, from radiators to ashtrays, was sold at auction in 1951 and the fabulous interiors of the brothel were sold to private collections.
Currently, 12 Rue Chabanais is a very ordinary office building; the only remnants of its shadowy past are the twin elevators that once allowed customers to ascend to different floors without the risk of bumping into other patrons.
Delmas Anatomy Museum
The collection of the Delmas-Orfila-Rouviera Museum of Anatomy has a long and complex history, which begins in 1794 with the professor of anatomy Honore Fragonard. It was then significantly expanded by the dean of the Faculty of Medicine and the father of toxicology, Mathieu Orfila, who, after visiting the Hunter Museum in London, decided that Paris should also have an equally great medical collection. By 1881, the museum had collected about 4,500 specimens.
During the first civil war, a period of great loss began for the museum. It was bad that at one point elaborate, beautiful and expensive wax models (made by the French surgeon Jean-Baptiste Laumonier) were used as lighting fuel. In 1947, the museum was saved by Professor André Delmas, but at that time only one hundred original objects remained in the museum. Delmas combines the Orfila Museum with the collection of Professor Henri Rouviere and now the Delmas-Orfila-Rouviere Museum becomes the largest museum collection of anatomy in France.
Paris is a city of sophistication and love, fashion and great history, fine wine and gastronomic preferences. Paris is one of the best places in Europe for a family holiday. This city has everything that every vacationer needs. Do not doubt that all family members, from the youngest to the oldest, will be delighted with the trip. When planning a trip to the capital of France, add a visit to your itinerary five of the best attractions in Paris.
They say there is no arguing about tastes. How many people - so many opinions. But there are opinions with which it is difficult to disagree. So, most travel agencies, people who have visited Paris several times and just residents of this city believe that there are places that need to be seen.
Champs Elysees.
Favorite place for vacationers in Paris. Starting from the Arc de Triomphe and extending to the Place de la Concorde, this is the longest street in Paris, so buy comfortable shoes for long walks. Almost every guide will suggest you visit this particular landmark of Paris, especially if you are a connoisseur of everything exclusive and expensive. Here you will find designer shops, famous banks, chic restaurants, cozy cafes, cinemas and many five-star hotels. But you will get the most unforgettable experience if you visit the Champs Elysees during the Christmas holidays and New Year! This is truly a fabulous sight, the whole street sparkles with bright lights, shop windows are in New Year's decorations, you are surrounded by happy faces, fun and celebration are all around.
Eiffel Tower (la tour Eiffel).
The symbol of Paris, one of the most visited places in the world. Just imagine, approximately 690 people climb it every hour! This is a unique structure, considered a modern wonder of the world, built in 1889 according to the design of Gustav Eiffel. Until 1930, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest in the world; today its height is 324 meters. There are only a few places in the city where it cannot be seen. For tourists, the tower has three platforms housing restaurants for every taste and budget, as well as an astronomical and meteorological observatory. The topmost platform will give you a stunning view of the whole of Paris. After sunset, the tower is especially impressive; every hour it lights up with a thousand lights, dominating the entire city. Be sure to visit the best attraction in Paris and appreciate this miracle of technology.
Louvre Museum (Musee du Louvre).
If you are a true art lover, you should definitely visit the best museum on the planet -. Everyone has heard at least once in their life about the mysterious smile of Mona Lisa or Mona Lisa, the great Leonardo da Vinci. Only in the Louvre Museum can you enjoy this unforgettable masterpiece of genius. The museum's collection includes more than 300 thousand works of art, located in 8 departments. The most famous artists and sculptors represented in the Louvre Museum: Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Rubens, Louis David, Hieronymus Bosch, Michelangelo and many others. Don't try to get around the Louvre in one day, it's almost impossible! To understand the grandeur and magnetism of this museum, you need to completely immerse yourself in the world of beauty, and this takes time.
Euro Disneyland.
Visit a fairy tale! This is an exciting journey you will never forget. Disneyland (Euro Disneyland) or the largest amusement park in Europe, which includes five thematic areas. Each part of the park tells about famous fairy-tale characters and adventures from different times. You will meet Alice from Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Dumbo the Elephant, Mickey Mouse, Pirates of the Caribbean and many other fairy-tale characters. The Walt Disney Studios Park is also located here, where you can see sets for famous films, go behind the scenes, watch a stunt show, and ride a real roller coaster. It is impossible to list all the attractions at Disneyland; pay a visit in person and see for yourself how unique it is.
Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral.
In 1831, the great Victor Hugo wrote in the preface to his famous novel Notre-Dame de Paris: “My main goal is to awaken in the nation a love for our architecture.” Of course, he succeeded, but not only the French have an interest and love for their architecture. Millions of people from different cities around the world want to see (Notre Dame), the most majestic temple in France. The external architecture of the cathedral is very interesting with its towers, pilasters, galleries, arcades and 28 statues of the kings of ancient Judea. Be sure to enter the cathedral and look at the interior splendor of the decoration, where royal weddings, coronations and funeral ceremonies took place in previous centuries. The Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral houses a great Christian relic - the Crown of Thorns of Jesus Christ. Residents of the city consider Notre Dame Cathedral to be the spiritual heart of the capital.
This is just a brief overview of the attractions that are rightfully considered the best in Paris. Visit them!!
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Paris! The city that attracts with its romance, gives inspiration to everyone who needs it, fascinates with the interweaving of streets and alleys, captivates with cathedrals and palaces, gives a feeling of peace in street cafes, the tables of which are so close to everything that happens, people and cars! Feel the atmosphere of Paris, join the world's cultural heritage, simply become part of this city - that's why people from all over the world come here!
Paris is the capital of France, located in the north-central part of France, belongs to the Ile-de-France region, stretches 18 km from east to west, and 9.5 km from north to south. 2.2 million people live in Paris.
Paris got its name from the Celtic tribe - the Parisians, whose representatives founded the city in the 3rd century BC on the Ile de la Cité on the Seine River.
Paris is located in a zone of temperate continental climate; the proximity of the Atlantic makes the climate in Paris quite comfortable, Temperatures very rarely drop below zero, at a temperature of minus 10º, Parisians declare an emergency.
Attractions
Ile de la Cite
The Ile de la Cité, surrounded by the waters of the Seine, is birthplace of Paris. Experienced guides begin the tour from the island, as historical and architectural monuments are concentrated there. The atmosphere of antiquity and involvement in significant historical events in France surrounds visitors to the Cité. The island is connected to the banks of the Seine by nine bridges, each of which reveals the French capital from its own special side.
You can visit the island at any time, but to explore the cultural and historical sites located there, it is better to do it during the day or early in the morning. To enjoy all the beauties of the island, you need to spend a whole day on the excursion.
Interesting objects of the island deserve special attention.
Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is Catholic, Gothic cathedral, located in the eastern part of the Ile de la Cité. The cathedral was built on the site of the older Christian Church of St. Stephen in the 12th-14th centuries. The cathedral is surrounded by a romantic flair, which Victor Hugo created around it in his famous novel “Notre Dame de Paris” and cemented the modern musical of the same name.
The facade of the cathedral is divided into three parts, vertically and into three parts horizontally. Lower part of the cathedral has three portals: in the middle is a portal dedicated to paintings of the Last Judgment, the right portal of St. Anne, the left portal of the Virgin Mary. Above the portals is the gallery of kings, consisting of twenty-eight statues of Jewish rulers. You can look at the cathedral from the outside for a long time; it is no less interesting inside. While inside the cathedral you must pay attention to the stained glass windows, which are beautiful in themselves and create a unique flickering light inside the cathedral.
Cathedral address: Rue du cloitre Notre-Dame, Paris 4e.
The cathedral is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm in the winter months, from 10 am to 6.30 pm in the summer months. During July and August, when there is the largest influx of tourists, on Friday and Saturday it is open until 23.
Entrance to the cathedral is free.
Cathedral Square (parvis Notre Dame, place Jean-Paul-II)
The square in front of the cathedral on the Ile de la Cité allows you to enjoy views of ancient Parisian buildings along the banks of the Seine: the walls of the city's oldest hospital and the prefecture.
The square itself attracts tourists with the opportunity to be on zero reference point, from where the kilometers of all roads in France are counted, admire the sculpture of Charlemagne, founder of the Carolingian dynasty. You cannot ignore the Crypt of the Notre Dame porch - an archaeological museum where the history of Paris is presented, starting from ancient times.
Crypte archeologique du parvis Notre-Dame
The museum was opened on the site of excavations made by chance in the second half of the twentieth century during the construction of an underground parking lot. This ancient city preserved underground. The exhibition, 120 meters long, allows you to plunge into ancient history and see with your own eyes the streets, walls, and engineering structures of the ancient city.
Address: place Jean-Paul-II, 6.
The museum is open every day except Mondays from 10 to 17.45.
Entrance to the museum with tickets is 3.5 euros, children under 14 years old are free.
9th arrondissement of Paris (Arrondissement de l’Opera)
Paris is divided into 20 districts, all of them are of varying degrees of interest to tourists, some are historical, some are just residential areas. But the 9th arrondissement of Paris is interesting for tourists and locals. This is the area of the city located around the famous Parisian Opera Garnier. The streets, squares and boulevards of this district create the romantic atmosphere of Paris. Place Saint-Georges with a fountain that retains water troughs for horses. Writers, artists, and musicians lived in the vicinity of the square. Among them were Alexandre Dumas, Georges Sand, Chopin. Rue Laffitte leads to the famous Notre-Dame de Lorret cathedral. A walk along the Rue Saint-Lazare reveals the amazing Church of the Holy Trinity.
The streets of the 9th arrondissement are attractive for lovers of shopping, famous throughout the world for Galeries Lafayette.
Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette includes 7 floors of women's clothing and 5 floors of men's clothing, where clothes from well-known and not so famous brands are sold, restaurants and cafes are located.
But the gallery is interesting not only for its shops, it represents historical and architectural value. The glass dome and galleries under the dome provide the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of Paris.
Address: Boulevard Haussmann 40.
Open from 9.30 to 20.30, on Sunday until 19.30.
Opera Garnier (Opera Garnier, Opera de Paris, Grand Opera)
The Opera Garnier is the world's most famous opera and ballet theater, founded in 1862. The opera attracts tourists not only for its performances, but also as a museum. Grand staircase made of multi-colored marble amazes everyone who enters with its splendor. At the base of the staircase there are figures of women holding a bouquet of chandeliers in their hands.
The theater foyer is decorated with no less luxury, the combination of windows and mirrors makes it more sparkling and spacious. The 1,900-seat auditorium is decorated in red and gold tones and is shaped like a horseshoe. Deserves special attention the ceiling of the auditorium, the ceiling of which was painted by Marc Chagall and opened to the public in 1964.
Address: Rue Scribe 8.
The ticket office is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays from 9.00 to 13.00.
The cost of an excursion ticket is 11 euros, the cost of a performance is up to 250 euros.
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is a student quarter located in the 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris around the Sorbonne University and hence its name. The fact is that teaching, in one of the oldest universities in Europe, was conducted in Latin, and the students and teachers who lived in this quarter spoke Latin.
Now it's the noisiest, most crowded quarter of Paris, filled not only with students, but also with crowds of tourists eager to join the bohemian and student life of Paris. You can stroll along cozy streets with many cafes and restaurants, sit on the square in front of the Sorbonne, enter the university, entry is free. The ancient chapel of St. Ursula is interesting to visit, inside which is the tomb of its founder Richelieu.
Fisherman's Cat Street (Rue du chat qui pêche)
One of the most ancient and narrow streets of Paris, located in the Latin Quarter and near Notre Dame Cathedral. Its width is only 180 centimeters, length 26 meters. Walking along this street, you can get an idea of what Paris was like in the 15th century.
Montmartre
Montmartre is area of Paris belonging to the 18th arrondissement and received its name from the name of the hill and the ancient Roman settlement located there. This is the highest point in Paris and is home to the Sacre Coeur Basilica. You can get there by stairs or by cable car.
Tourists come to the boat to feel the bohemian atmosphere of Paris, touch the heritage of the creative people who lived here: Vincent Van Gogh, Emile Zola, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, etc. And now the streets of Montmartre are full of artists ready to capture anyone in a portrait for 15-20 euros.
Here tourists can see the famous wall of love in the Jean Rectus square, on which the words “I love you” are written in more than two hundred and fifty languages of the world.
Montmartre became famous as a red light district; it is in Montmartre that the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret is located.
Cabaret "Moulin Rouge"
Moulin Rouge is a cabaret famous since the 19th century, located in the area of Clichy Boulevard and Place Pigalle, famous for its cancan and the world's first striptease. The legendary cabaret is decorated with a large red windmill, which gives the establishment its name and emphasizes its belonging to the red light district. Nowadays the revue “Extravaganza” is taking place there, attracting a large number of tourists. Spectators sit around the stage at tables, and waiters serve champagne. There are a lot of people who want to visit the cabaret, so you should worry about tickets in advance.
Address: Boulevard de Clichy 82.
Open from 19.00 to 01.00.
Tickets cost from 92 to 200 euros, depending on whether dinner is booked or not.
Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
located in the center of Paris on the Champ de Mars, is its symbol. It got its name from its creator, Gustave Eiffel, who called it very prosaically “a three-hundred-meter tower.” It was originally built as an entrance to the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1889. It was received ambiguously and there were even plans to demolish it. But unexpectedly, it began to be popular with the public, and it was decided to leave it.
Since then, it has been a center of attraction for tourists, thanks to its unique architecture and the presence of observation platforms with views of the whole of Paris. Parisians love their tower; it decorates Paris not only during the day, but also at night, when, sparkling and shimmering with thousands of lights, it rises above Paris. The tower has its own color, which is called Eiffel brown.
The Eiffel Tower is the most popular destination for tourists from all over the world; access to the observation decks of the first and second levels is open.
Address: Champ de Mars, Avenue Anatole France, 5.
The tower is open to the public every day from 9.30 to 23.00, on Fridays and Saturdays it is open until 24.00.
Entrance fee is from 11 to 17 euros, depending on the level to which the climb will be made.
Montparnasse Tower (Tour Montparnasse)
the only skyscraper built in the historical part of Paris. It was built on the site of the old station. The attitude towards the tower is controversial; it does not fit into the atmosphere of Paris, but the view from the observation deck compensates for this shortcoming. From there you have a view of 40 km, allowing you to see not only Paris, but also the suburbs. The advantage of this tower is that the queue for the observation deck is much shorter than at the Eiffel Tower. A high-speed elevator takes tourists to the 56th floor, further to observation deck you have to climb on foot. There is a glazed area and an open one on the roof.
Address: Avenue du Maine 33.
Open from 9.30 to 22.30, in summer the opening hours are extended to 23.30.
Tickets from 7 to 15 euros.
House of Invalids (Hotel des invalides)
The Invalides' Home is a 17th-century building designed to house wounded and maimed soldiers. Today it also houses veterans and houses the Army Museum and Necropolis. The Invalides' Home is famous for its there is a sarcophagus with the body of Napoleon, brought from St. Helena.
Address: Rue de Grenelle. 129.
Open: in summer from 10.00 to 18.00, on Tuesdays until 21.00, in winter from 10.00 to 17.00.
Prices from 8 to 12 euros.
Louvre Museum (Musee du Louvre)
The Louvre Museum is famous art and history museum, located in the palace of the kings of France, in the first arrondissement of Paris. The collections of the Louvre represent the entire world history and masterpieces of world art. A few days are not enough to view the entire exhibition, so it is better to immediately decide what exactly you would like to see and focus on that.
Address: Rue de Rivoli.
Open on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday from 9.00 to 18.00, on Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 to 22.00, the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Tickets 15 euros.
City map
We have provided a far from complete list of attractions in Paris, but have only briefly described the best places. But the city is rich in interesting things, and you can create your own path, including non-standard attractions.
You will find even more unusual places on the map of Paris in Russian:
You will also definitely need a map of the Paris metro with stations:
Paris leaves no one indifferent; it is not without reason that it has been the center of attraction for many creative people who reflect the charm of Paris in their works.
Watch a video about Paris.
The air is saturated with romance, magnificent museums, attractions and delicious food - all this is Paris as guests of the French capital see it. The first acquaintance with the most romantic and atmospheric city on earth is always unforgettable, because it is beautiful in everything, be it museum tours, walks along the Seine or getting to know unique Parisian districts.
Cultural and historical sights of Paris
The best time to visit Paris is, of course, summer, but in spring and autumn, when there is no such influx of tourists in the city, it is very cozy here. Even though the French capital, according to descriptions and reviews of tourists, has a reputation as an expensive city, a budget tourist can easily get into dozens of museums or get to know the main attractions of Paris for free, bringing back unforgettable memorable photos from the trip.
Panoramic walks
The easiest and most unusual way to explore the sights of Paris is to see all the luxury of the city from a bird's eye view. There are plenty of high-rise historical sites in different areas of the French capital that offer magnificent views.
Panoramic Paris is visible from several points:
- Eiffel Tower. The most convenient way to see the entire city center, or even the whole of Paris, including all its attractions, is to go up to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower. Being at the very top of the main symbol of the capital, it is quite easy to find out what is located where.
- Triumphal Arch. An important historical monument of the city, located on the Champs Elysees, it ranks second in size among other arches in the world. From its top there is an excellent panoramic view of Paris, as well as its twelve main avenues.
- Notre Dame Cathedral. A stunning picture opens from one of the towers of the legendary Notre Dame de Paris. To get to the observation deck, you will have to stand in a long line, but the magnificent view that opens from the tower cannot be compared with anything else. In addition to a picturesque picture of old Paris, here you can also see those very gargoyles.
- Basilica of Sacre Coeur. The ancient cathedral, located at the highest point of Paris - in the Montmartre district, has an observation deck at the top of the dome, from where both the bohemian district itself and the entire capital to its outskirts are perfectly visible.
For romantics who are in love with this vibrant city, it is important to know that tickets to the observation decks of the main attractions of Paris should be purchased in advance through online services. This will save time that would otherwise have to be spent queuing at the cash register. A free opportunity to see the entire capital is presented only from the roofs of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Centuries-old cultural life in museums
Getting to know the centuries-old history and culture of Paris means, first of all, getting to know the unique exhibits located in the museums of this city. However, the problem is that the number of citadels of art in the capital is so large that it is hardly possible to visit them even in a week.
The fact is that Paris occupies first place in the world by the number of museums. Being a country with “an ideal taste for art,” France collects relics from all over the world that connoisseurs of true art love to get acquainted with.
Some of the museums in Paris are really worth visiting:
- The Louvre and its two main relics - the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo;
- the Rodin Museum, hidden in an exquisite garden among the author's sculptures;
- The Orsay Museum is a repository of masterpieces of impressionism and post-impressionism;
- Center Pompidou – a collection of unique exhibits and rare books;
- the Museum of Modern Art and its 8,000 exhibits of creativity from the 10th century;
- The Pantheon is the tomb of the main figures of the country;
- Les Invalides - a complex of museums dedicated to the military life of Paris and tombs (including the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte);
- Picasso Museum with works by the talented author.
A walk through the museums of Paris will be even more exciting if you first purchase Paris Museum Pass– a single ticket that will allow you to significantly save on entrance fees, as it will give unlimited access to the city’s museums.
River trips on the Seine
Another way to experience all the iconic sights of Paris in one trip is to go on a boat tour. water bus, which runs along the Seine through the old part of the city. This trip has no analogues, since during a boat trip the city literally reveals its beauty to travelers.
A waterbus ride provides the opportunity to explore the historical buildings and stunning monuments of Paris:
- Eiffel Tower;
- Notre Dame Cathedral;
- Louvre;
- Orsay Museum;
- Home for the Invalids;
- Grand Palais;
- Pont Alexandre III;
- Paris Old Bridge;
- National Assembly of France.
You can explore Paris by riding the Batobus waterbus, which departs every hour and makes nine stops along the way.
City parks and gardens
Thanks to the fact that the French know how to create beauty and refinement from simple things, magnificent parks and well-groomed gardens, called palace and park ensembles, arose in the city throughout its history. In such exciting places, you can’t help but feel that every corner is imbued with subtle notes of Parisian mood.
Although Paris has a dense urban structure, its territory contains about 400 parks. The origin of some of them dates back to the 17th century.
The main parks and gardens of Paris:
- Luxembourg Gardens. Part of the palace complex, not inferior in popularity to Versailles, is the most beautiful and most attractive vacation spot for local residents. There are extensive forested areas, artificial lakes, flower beds and fountains, as well as comfortable chairs near a duck pond.
- Tuileries Garden in Paris. The oldest park complex in Paris is located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. In the developed area you can find several nice fountains, touching sculptures and miniature lakes.
- Parc Monceau. The most romantic park in Paris, created in 1778, has preserved several structures to this day: a rotunda, a small pyramid and a Corinthian colonnade.
- Bois de Boulogne in Paris. A huge park on the western outskirts of Paris, which was designed as a copy of London's Hyde Park.
- Buttes-Chaumont. The young park, which grew only in the 19th century, has its own 32-meter waterfall and a “suicide bridge” hanging 30 meters from the ground.
- Palais Royal in Paris. Another park adjacent to the Louvre was created by decree of Cardinal Richelieu in 1630. Today in the garden you can find several sculptures, arcades with restaurants, galleries and shops.
All the iconic parks and gardens of Paris are incredibly well-groomed, symmetrically arranged and decorated with pretty figured bushes.
Walking in Paris wouldn't be eventful enough without visiting Père Lachaise cemeteries, which is affectionately called the “city of the dead”. Among the picturesque nature and thousands of old trees, winding paths with family tombs and burial grounds belonging to famous personalities are nestled.
It is quite difficult to describe in words all the charm of Paris, which differs from other cities in the world with its special, unique romantic atmosphere. It is probably as difficult as describing the aromas of a bouquet of perfumes that were “born” in France.
If we speak dryly, as geographers, economists and sociologists are accustomed to doing, then we can say about Paris that it is the capital of France, one of the most densely populated cities on our planet, a center of cultural and historical heritage.
View of the Eiffel Tower
The city, which is perhaps the most popular point on numerous tourist routes, lies on the banks of the majestic river called the Seine. It is in the capital of France, divided into 20 arrondissements, where the most famous landmarks can be found on almost every corner, is the headquarters of the world's most famous organization for the protection of historical and architectural monuments - UNESCO. It is interesting that each district of Paris is also divided into four quarters, each of which has its own police department, which allows law enforcement officers to quickly respond to various incidents occurring in a city with a population of millions.
The population of Paris was difficult to count during the last census. According to data from social services, there are almost 2,300,000 indigenous people in the French capital. However, this figure is far from reality; numerous emigrants who find the opportunity to permanently reside in Paris, while, by the way, not even having French citizenship, exceed this figure many times.
Champs Elysees
The city, located north of the central part of the country, attracts residents of other countries of the world with the opportunity to make good money. In principle, this is not surprising, since Paris is one of the cities in which industry and tourism infrastructure are widely developed. According to economists, in the capital of France there are almost 2 jobs for every able-bodied resident: there is plenty to choose from, but Parisians are accustomed to working where work will bring them not only income, but also pleasure. For this reason, the unemployment rate in Paris, despite the huge number of emigrants and the number of available jobs, is almost 9%.
By the way, recently, due to air pollution in the beautiful city, which annually attracts the attention of millions of tourists, many industrial enterprises began to be moved outside the city limits. The problem of air pollution in the capital is becoming more and more acute. As you know, the city is located in a temperate climate zone, but the CO2 level already exceeds the maximum permissible standards, which is why the temperature in Paris is 5 and sometimes 10 degrees higher than in the provinces.
Glass pyramid against the backdrop of the Louvre
Speaking about the climate of Paris, one cannot help but say that it is a “rainy city”: scientists count almost 120 days a year during which precipitation falls. However, despite climatic paradoxes and a polluted atmosphere, Paris remains Paris, and in this unique city, historical monuments dating back to the Middle Ages coexist with ultra-modern office buildings, shopping centers and factories.
Paris - a little history
Many tourists who visit Paris and want to see its main attractions often do not even suspect that the city was built back in the 3rd century BC! The city was founded by the Celts, members of the Parisian tribe. It is not difficult to guess that the name of Paris came from this tribe. The first mention of a more or less large settlement occurs in 53 BC. A tribe that was unwilling to submit to the will of the Romans was described by the great emperor and general Gaius Julius Caesar. The Parisians were a proud people, and even when they saw the huge and organized Roman legions for the second time, the Celts were not going to give up: the leader of their small army simply set fire to all the bridges, and then burned the first settlement.
View of Notre Dame Cathedral
The Romans, who were surprised by the courage of the Parisians, kindly “allowed” them to live on a small island, and they themselves built a city on the banks of the Seine. As in many Roman cities of that time, baths and an amphitheater were built in the new settlement. For the Romans, the new city that appeared on the world map in 52 BC was of no interest.
In 508, the history of Paris itself begins: it was in this year that the city was taken by the Franks. Over time, it was constantly developed, and soon became one of the main industrial and cultural centers. Surprisingly, by the 11th century Paris became practically the only place in the entire Old World where one could get the best education: a huge number of universities and schools, the famous Latin Quarter, in which a college was opened then, which became the so-called ancestor of the Sorbonne.
It is worth noting that with the growth of the city and the increase in population, it was repeatedly surrounded by new fortress walls, which should have prevented the enemy from plundering the treasures of Paris.
View of the Sacre Coeur Basilica
By the way, the capital of France is one of the cities that constantly suffered from plague epidemics; for this reason, the number of indigenous residents of the city was often reduced by almost two-thirds. As soon as the disease left the city walls, new settlers arrived in Paris. At the end of the 19th century, Paris experienced its greatest prosperity: educational institutions were built, industry made the city one of the richest in Europe.
It is impossible to describe even briefly the entire history of Paris in one material. One need only remember the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte and the treacherous capture of Paris by the troops of the Third Wehrmacht. The thing is that the history of Paris is a topic for a separate article, and to be very precise, for several: too much has changed in the capital of France over the centuries. A tourist who is brought to Paris is primarily interested in the tourism infrastructure, attractions and hotels of Paris, many of which, by the way, are considered the best in the world.
Modern Paris
How can you characterize modern Paris? This question is trivial, but still relevant. Fashion capital? Romantic city? Best place to stay? All this, of course, is perfectly suited for Paris.
Great Arch of Defense
However, the capital of France is also a place where dreams come true. Yes, yes, you heard right, in Paris almost any person’s dream can come true. It is quite difficult to explain what this phenomenon is connected with, but Russian emigrants who fled post-revolutionary Russia, for the most part, headed specifically to Paris, because this city became their home in the shortest possible time. By the way, it became a “second homeland” not only for Russians, but also for numerous immigrants from Arab countries. There is something mystical in the capital of France, something painfully familiar to every person who comes to the city, and it does not matter at all in what country he was born.
Tourists who purchase a tour to Paris from numerous agencies naturally expect to see the sights of the capital of magnificent France. However, before your trip, you should properly organize your holiday in Paris: for example, plan excursions (join those offered or develop your own routes). The thing is that a month is not enough to even get to know beautiful Paris superficially.
Moulin rouge
Almost 2,000 historical monuments, about 140 large museums are only a small part of what can interest tourists. The Eiffel Tower, which the French once disliked so much, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Pantheon, Versailles, the Invalides - these are the sights that are on everyone's lips.
And what is it worth to walk through one of the ancient cemeteries where the most famous historical figures are buried! Ancient cemeteries in Paris have long been transformed from gloomy places almost into city parks, through which numerous excursion groups stroll. Guides call the cemeteries of Montparnasse, Père Lachaise, and Montmartre museum-necropolises. By the way, in Paris the dead have not been buried for a long time; there is simply no place in a city where more than 20,000 people live in one square kilometer. If you arrive at the Danfert-Rochereau metro station, you will see a very small and nondescript pavilion. There are always many guests of Paris near him. The thing is that this pavilion is the entrance to the catacombs, where the remains of 6,000,000 Parisians were once transferred from city cemeteries.
Place Vendôme
Now these catacombs are open to tourists, however, the spectacle that opens in them, frankly speaking, is not for the faint of heart. It should be remembered that you can only walk through the catacombs in special areas; entering a “closed area” will result in a hefty fine.
Travelers who have already visited Paris say that this city is of interest not only to well-known historical monuments. A visit to the La Défense district will also make an unforgettable impression, where skyscrapers are built that amaze with their style; many modern architects call it avant-garde.